Prayer Tower facts for kids
The Prayer Tower is a unique tower located at Oral Roberts University (ORU) in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It was designed in a cool, futuristic style called Googie architecture, which was popular in the 1950s and 60s. This tall building, made of glass and steel, is about 200 feet (60.9 meters) high. It was designed by architect Frank Wallace and opened in 1967.
At the top of the tower, there's an enclosed observation deck. From here, you can see all around the area, getting a 360-degree view of the ORU campus and beyond. Beautiful gardens called the Ralph L. Reece Memorial Gardens surround the base of the tower. The Prayer Tower is a well-known spot and a popular place for tourists to visit in Tulsa.
What the Prayer Tower Represents
ORU is a Christian university that focuses on spiritual experiences and prayer. The Prayer Tower is full of Christian symbolism, which means its design has special meanings related to faith.
Symbols in the Design
- Central Location: The tower is placed right in the middle of the campus. This shows that prayer is super important and central to everything the university aims to do.
- Shape from Different Angles: The tower has a special disc and spindle shape. If you look at it from the side, it looks like a Christian cross. But if you look down at it from an airplane, it looks like the Star of David, which is an important symbol in Judaism.
- Upward Spiral: The tower's design has an "upward spiral" shape. This is meant to show how a person's relationship with God can grow and move upward.
- Crown of Thorns: The special pattern around the observation deck is said to represent the crown of thorns that Jesus wore. The red color used in parts of it reminds people of the sacrifice Jesus made.
- Luxurious Look: The tower's design, with its white, gold, and black colors, was inspired by famous buildings like the Space Needle in Seattle. This grand and impressive look was meant to show the importance and significance of the university's mission.
- Eternal Flame: At the very top of the tower, there is a flame that never goes out. This eternal flame symbolizes a special spiritual experience called the Baptism with the Holy Spirit.
